Published on September 6th, 2011 | by DerbyLife

Meet Team USA: Tracy “Disco” Akers

Name
Tracy “Disco” Akers

League Affiliation
Denver Roller Dolls

Years Skating
6 years

DL: What was your previous athletic background, if any?
TA: I played basketball for 4 years as a young’un but that’s really it as far as team sports. I skateboarded, snowboarded, and did BMX, but pretty much sucked at all of those. After derby, I started cross training with road biking and dabbled in hockey.

DL: Why did you want to be on Team USA?
TA: Let me answer your question with another question. Why would I not want to be on team USA?! I can’t think of one reason. In all seriousness, I have dreamed about a USA team in derby since I was a wee derby baby. This is huge not only for roller derby but roller sports and female-dominated sports. I wanted more than anything to be a part of this monumental piece of roller derby history. Not to mention getting to skate with the best in the country and against the best the world has to offer, F*** Yeah!

DL: How did you feel when you found out you had made it?
TA: I was working and had no idea I made the team. Once I read the first, out of many, missed texts on my phone and found out I made the team, I dropped my phone and my knees got weak. There are no words for how I felt; I have a team of scientists working toward finding the words. I found myself thinking, am I a part of this? I AM a part of this!

DL: Which skater inspires you most, and why?
TA: Different skaters have inspired me throughout my derby career. Kelley Young (formally Snot Rocket) of the Kansas City Roller Warriors has to be one of the first. Kelley was able to do things on skates that I had never seen before and as a person she is humble and gracious. She inspired me to push boundaries with my skating and to always respect my opponents.

Currently, every single girl on the Mile High Club inspires me. Every girl challenges me in a different way constantly. Every one of my teammates is a master of their individual talents and they push themselves to always improve those talents, keeping me working hard to achieve what they have. More impressively, they own their weaknesses. They know what they are and won’t let it beat them. Not many skaters can do that. To me, that is one of the most inspiring qualities I have ever met.

DL: Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out?
TA: Nope.

Just kidding!! Be patient, good things come from your hard work. Some skaters pick up amazingness right away. For most others, it takes time. Secondly, derby will always be there, don’t skate on nagging injuries. Let injuries heal completely and properly so you can jump back in and kick ass without re-injuring yourself

To support Team USA, you can make a contribution to their travel fund at Traveler’s Joy.